--- title: "Lincoln Lighthill Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lincoln-lighthill-architect-pfvwus-pf~344100213 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~344100213.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Lincoln Lighthill Architect" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/da339a32043f056f_0698-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Mill Valley, California 94941, United States" latitude: 37.8958 longitude: -122.5339 phone: "(415) 412-3343" website: http://www.lincolnlighthill.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 12 last_updated: 2026-08-16 --- # Lincoln Lighthill Architect Original Houzz profile: [Lincoln Lighthill Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lincoln-lighthill-architect-pfvwus-pf~344100213) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Mill Valley, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Kentfield, Sausalito, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, North Richmond, Santa Venetia, Marin City, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Belvedere, Fairfax, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, Woodacre, Bolinas, Alto, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, San Geronimo, Belvedere Tiburon, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Lagunitas, San Quentin - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2024), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Locally owned - Eco-friendly - Offers Custom Work Available to Take on New Projects Now! Lincoln Lighthill Architect is a full-service architectural firm based in Mill Valley with projects completed throughout California and the U.S. Our work currently ranges from residential remodels and new construction to commercial, arts, and food service establishments. Since 2015 we’ve taken great pride in bringing creativity and inventiveness to an ever-expanding range of project typologies and design challenges. Architecture is first and foremost a collaborative process. We believe that only with great clients can we design great projects, and that the interaction between architect and client is where the fire of creativity and innovation is lit. We believe this collaboration should extend to the full design and construction team, and find the greatest success with an integrated approach, where consultants, contractors, fabricators, and artisans are engaged early in the design phase and involved throughout the process. Being an architect in the 21st century means taking responsibility for the environmental impact of our work. We practice what we think of as high-performance design, aspiring to sustainability. We find success through research and refined improvisation, a balancing of the art and science of what we do. Check out the Houzz article featuring our Bernal Heights Remodel: https://tinyurl.com/stn2hcze ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Historic Building Conservation - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Tiny House Construction - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Prefab Houses - Rooftop Deck Installation ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Richmond - San Rafael - Mill Valley - Larkspur - San Anselmo - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Corte Madera - Tiburon - Kentfield - Sausalito - Lucas Valley-Marinwood - North Richmond - Santa Venetia - Marin City - Sleepy Hollow - Ross - Belvedere - Fairfax - Lagunitas-Forest Knolls - Woodacre - Bolinas - Alto - Stinson Beach - Muir Beach - San Geronimo - Belvedere Tiburon - Forest Knolls - Greenbrae - Lagunitas - San Quentin ### Typical Job Cost $400,000 - 5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Lincoln Lighthill Architect | | Address | Mill Valley, California 94941, United States | | Phone | (415) 412-3343 | | Website | http://www.lincolnlighthill.com/ | | License Number | C34466 | | Followers on Houzz | 12 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.instagram.com/lincolnlighthillarchitect/ - Blog — http://www.lincolnlighthill.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Lincoln Lighthill Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lincoln-lighthill-architect-pfvwus-pf~344100213) - **Website:** http://www.lincolnlighthill.com/ - **Phone:** (415) 412-3343 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - LLA is Certified by the City of San Francisco as a Green Business and a Local Business Enterprise (LBE) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2024), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Institute of Architects, San Francisco](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-institute-of-architects-san-francisco-pfvwus-pf~788533068) - [U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/u-s-green-building-council-usgbc-pfvwus-pf~1797160658) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 11 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — Anna Rowland, March 2026** > We are so thankful to have worked with Lincoln and his team on our renovation project last year. He deftly helped us navigate some very tricky code issues in converting our old laundry porch into usable space, while keeping a keen eye on the design details along the way. Lincoln made the process super enjoyable and collaborative, and we love our gorgeous new bathroom, laundry room and kid loft! Thank you Lincoln and team! **Comment from Lincoln Lighthill Architect:** > Thank you, Anna! We loved working with you. A great collaboration! **★★★★★ — Elena, June 2023** > Lincoln was our architect for a major remodel in San Francisco during 2019. > We couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out. From a super fun kids bathroom (with carefully designed honeycomb tiled wall), to a master bathroom hidden behind a wood wall, to a fiddle leaf growing from the second floor all the way up to the third floor under a skylight. It was a lot of fun to work with Lincoln and his team and we are very happy that they helped us design a very comfortable home for our family. **Comment from Lincoln Lighthill Architect:** > Thank you, Elena! You were such fun and inspirational clients to work with! **★★★★★ — Howard Smith, June 2023** > Lincoln was the architect for a major roof-deck renovation and remodel that we performed on our mid-century modern house in San Francisco. His design was thoughtful and his coordination with our general contractor was excellent, helping to ensure a smooth and stress-free project. He also worked extremely well with third parties such as a structural engineer and waterproofing consultant. His oversight of the work and responsiveness to questions throughout was faultless. Lincoln went a long way to source the materials we were looking for and was always respectful of suggestions we made, trying to accommodate our wishes at all times. We’d highly recommend Lincoln for any residential new-build or renovation work in the SF Bay Area. **Comment from Lincoln Lighthill Architect:** > Howard, thank you so much. It was my great pleasure and honor to work with you! **★★★★★ — Susie Korn, May 2023** > I worked with Lincoln in 2018 when I was remodeling the downstairs of my house. We were updating the kitchen, the bathroom and the living room. Lincoln was a pleasure to work with. He listened to what I wanted and then came back with several designs for me to choose from including some suggestions to make better use of the space. > The project turned out great. > > I highly recommend Lincoln and will use him again if I have another project. > > SusieKorn **Comment from Lincoln Lighthill Architect:** > Thank you Susie! Excited for the next one! Enjoy the house. **★★★★★ — pete\_setchell, May 2023** > Lincoln was absolutely key to our Diamond Heights midcentury remodel. He helped us view the house and figure out if we could afford to take it on, then helped us set an appropriate scope for our plans and find a great contractor to execute them. His taste is great and he’s always practical, fun to collaborate with and makes sure every last detail comes out beautifully. > > We love our home, thanks Lincoln for an excellent job! **Comment from Lincoln Lighthill Architect:** > Thank you so much Pete! A very special house for some super cool clients! **★★★★★ — Aaron Nice, May 2023** > I've gotten to work with Lincoln over the past 8 years on multiple projects. He's highly skilled at technical and custom work, including attention to unique details. His work is thorough from concept through construction administration and he does a great job representing his clients. **Comment from Lincoln Lighthill Architect:** > I think it's actually now been more than 10 years! :) Thank you Aaron. I look forward to the next one. **★★★★★ — Arrow Builders, Inc, May 2023** > As a custom home builder, I've worked with dozens of architects over the years on client projects, including several recent projects with Lincoln. When it came time to hire an architect for my home remodel it was an easy choice for me. Apart from Lincoln's design sensibilities, I appreciate his collaborative spirit and practical approach to solving design challenges. Further, his architecture takes into account standard material dimensions, which helps to minimize cost and unnecessary waste. > > Eric **Comment from Lincoln Lighthill Architect:** > Thank you Eric. The beautiful details are only possible with highly skilled builders! **★★★★★ — Adam Auton, May 2023** > I am delighted to write this review for the Lincoln and his team, who carried out a home renovation project for us in San Francisco during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the uncertainties and restrictions that the pandemic brought, the team exhibited remarkable professionalism, navigating the complex design and planning process with ease and grace. > > Lincoln demonstrated an great understanding of our needs and worked with us to create an very innovative design that catered to both our aesthetic ideals and functional requirements. We were very pleased with their proposals that made use of a variety of materials and pushed our understanding of what was possible to do with the space. Lincoln's proposal really allowed us to create a personalized space for our family while including a number of features that maximized the utility of the space. > > Throughout the project, the team was adept at managing the various aspects, ensuring that our renovation went smoothly and in a timely manner. Communication was consistently clear and concise, with regular updates on progress, and potential issues were addressed proactively. The transparency with which they approached projected costs and timelines was great, and the team also managed the permitting process without drama. > > I wholeheartedly recommend Lincoln and his team for home renovation projects. **Comment from Lincoln Lighthill Architect:** > Adam, thank you so much. Great clients (with a lot of books!) make great projects! **★★★★★ — Steven, May 2023** > We knew the work Lincoln Lighthill had done on several of the Blue Bottle Coffee shops. Susan and I really like his sensibility and his ideas of space organization. We were very fortunate to hire him for his first freelance job. Lincoln solved our space problems with ideas of innovation and grace. A rare find. **Comment from Lincoln Lighthill Architect:** > Thank you Steven! I'll always be grateful for the opportunity you gave me as I was starting out on my own. All the best. **★★★★★ — Nina Kaufman, April 2023** > Lincoln helped us design what I call my dream house. I never thought I’d ever have the chance to do a project of this scope, and Lincoln was instrumental in it being truly enjoyable. His design sense, honesty, flexibility, and respect for my vision all contributed to the end result. I didn’t know what I was getting into and Lincoln educated me and helped me look ahead, every step of the way. I can’t thank him or recommend him enough! **Comment from Lincoln Lighthill Architect:** > Thank you so much Nina! You had such a clear vision of what you wanted and it was my privilege to help make it happen. **★★★★★ — Emily Marsh, April 2023** > We were in a unique situation - an opportunity to do some remodeling after a house fire. With the insurance budget parameters, we were still hopeful we could make some beautiful improvements to our home. Lincoln was the perfect person to partner with. He helped us envision simple, creative and impactful changes to our home that included opening our dining room up so that the best view in the house (from a kitchen window) was visible from the living and dining rooms. He listened to our wish to host larger dinner parties and created a movable ceiling light, so it can always be centrally positioned regardless of how long our dining room table might be. He worked with our more conservative contractor and helped advocate for our ideas, finding modern, sleek textiles and cabinetry that immediately increased the value of our home. A back hallway became a pantry; a small closet in the bedroom was expanded to become a little walk-in closet. We built in a post-modern ladder to the attic, an interior wall window to bring more light into the bedroom and many other details we wouldn't have thought about. Lincoln's vision and experience elevated our home and it turned a disaster (fire) into a huge opportunity! I highly recommend collaborating with Lincoln on your next project, big or small. **Comment from Lincoln Lighthill Architect:** > Thank you so much Emily! As you note, it was amazing to help you create something great out of such a challenging situation. ## Selected projects - [CLARENDON HEIGHTS MID-CENTURY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clarendon-heights-mid-century-pj-vj~7188591) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: How do you improve on midcentury modern? Lincoln Lighthill Architect’s extensive renovation of an early 60's, Eichler-esque home on Twin Peaks answers the question by picking up where the original house left off, with simple but important updates that reimagine this unique home. By replacing punched windows with walls of glass, removing interior walls and opening up a 40’ wide living space with a large steel moment frame, inserting skylights at key locations to bring light deep into the interior… - [HAYES VALLEY HOUSE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hayes-valley-house-pj-vj~7188594) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: This 3 story home, built in the early ‘90’s, was badly in need of an update. Its dark, heavy looking finishes and a boring slog of a stair, topped by an undersized, half-hearted skylight, made this unique, shallow-plan home with good access to light and air feel nonetheless gloomy and uninviting. Lincoln Lighthill Architect gutted the house and rebuilt the main stair, with a custom steel guardrail and large, rolling, retractable skylight at its summit. An additional 4th stair flight leads up and… - [DIAMOND HEIGHTS MID-CENTURY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/diamond-heights-mid-century-pj-vj~7188598) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: This Eichler-esque house, in a neighborhood known for its tracts of homes by the famous developer, was a little different from the rest- a one-off custom build from 1962 that had mid-century modern bones but funky, neo-traditional finishes in the worn-out, time capsule state that the new owners found it. This called for an almost-gut remodel to keep the good, upgrade the building’s envelope and MEP systems, and reimagine the home’s character. To create a home that feels of its times, both now an… - [BERNAL HEIGHTS REMODEL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bernal-heights-remodel-pj-vj~7188600) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: Lincoln Lighthill Architect employed several discrete updates that collectively transform this existing row house. At the heart of the home, a section of floor was removed at the top level to open up the existing stair and allow light from a new skylight to penetrate deep into the home. The stair itself received a new maple guardrail and planter, with a Fiddle-leaf fig tree growing up through the opening towards the skylight. On the top living level, an awkwardly located entrance to a full bathr… - [BLUE BOTTLE CAFES](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blue-bottle-cafes-pj-vj~7197721) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Lincoln Lighthill Architect has designed many cafes for Blue Bottle Coffee on both coasts of the United States. Each cafe's design is unique and boasts an array of custom-built elements. Like the hand-crafted coffee served within, the cafes are meant to reinforce the brand's image with bespoke, highly considered details. - [MIDCENTURY ROOFSCAPE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcentury-roofscape-pj-vj~7815471) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 8 - [LIBERTY STREET](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/liberty-street-pj-vj~7504801) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 18 - [LIBRARYSTAIR](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/librarystair-pj-vj~7215250) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: In this project for an avid reader and their young family, Lincoln Lighthill Architect removed a narrow, awkward stair and replaced it with an open, light filled entry lined with a two-story wall of books. This giant assembly of custom millwork marries a floating stair, book shelves, entry seating bench, workspace beneath the stair, and a glass “bridge” that gives access to the primary bedroom, allows light down into the entry below, and provides endless entertainment for the kids and pets! - [MILL VALLEY MID-CENTURY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-mid-century-pj-vj~7384451) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: How do you modernize modernism on a budget? This house had charming midcentury character and lots of potential but had been neglected for many years and was sorely in need of a refresh to bring it up to modern standards of comfort, finish, and sustainability. The tight budget dictated that it would not be a down-to-the-studs, gut remodel, but more of a surgical intervention. Built in 1955, the house had settled on the downhill side, making the floors slope almost 4” from the front to the back of… - [VICTORIAN REMODEL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victorian-remodel-pj-vj~7188654) - Location: Alameda, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: This 100 year old home was in disrepair and suffering from a layout that left it dark and uninviting. By removing walls between the living, dining, and kitchen areas, and reconfiguring some awkwardly placed kitchen cabinetry from a previous renovation, Lincoln Lighthill Architect created a 50 foot long great room, flooding the space with light and views to the front and rear yards. A new built-in credenza replaces a full height wall and matches the existing kitchen casework, which gets a cost-ef… - [MID-CENTURY REINVENTION](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-reinvention-pj-vj~7188655) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: This project focused on a few key moves to update this small mid-century apartment while staying within a tight budget. A wall between the kitchen and living/dining room was partially removed to create a large, contiguous living area. In the kitchen, the original 1950’s metal cabinets and wood-look laminate countertops were retained, so Lincoln Lighthill Architect used maple plywood throughout the home to match this faux but nearly indestructible counter surface and contrast with the existing oa… [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lincoln-lighthill-architect-pfvwus-pf~344100213) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where can I find those yellow tiles in the bathroom?** *(in Photo Questions)* I think they’re awesome. A: Heath Tile in San Francisco --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*